Hey guys,
I’ve been on 100mg Test Cyp IM weekly for the past 10 years with good results overall, but something’s changed recently and I need experienced eyes on this.
For the past month, I’ve had constant lightheadedness, faint feelings, brain fog, and general weakness — especially in the mornings. It’s persistent and exhausting. The only thing that gives temporary relief is 0.5–1mg Xanax, which tells me it might be calming something neurologic or adrenal, but it’s not a real solution.
TRT & Hormone Panel:
- Total T: 634
- SHBG: 24.3
- Free T (calc): 162.7
- Estradiol: 65 pg/mL
CBC Trends:
- 4/3/25 – RBC: 6.11 / HGB: 18.8 / HCT: 55.9
- 4/10/25 – RBC: 5.71 / HGB: 17.8 / HCT: 52.4
- 4/28/25 – RBC: 5.80 / HGB: 18.0 / HCT: 53.7
Iron Panel:
- Iron: 132 (50–180)
- TIBC: 390 (250–425)
- Saturation: 34%
- Ferritin: 23 (Ref: 38–380) ←
Very concerned about this
Additional Info:
- Omeprazole 40mg daily for 10+ years (likely impacting iron absorption)
- Diagnosed mild sleep apnea (on CPAP since Jan 2024)
- Went to ER twice recently with near-syncope; both times told it’s just low potassium and dehydration (which I’m now addressing)
- Current PCP says: my symptoms are from elevated HCT/HGB and is pushing me to donate a unit of blood
- She also wants to cut my Test to every 2 weeks and start an AI, which I know from this forum is not best practice
My Main Questions:
- Have any of you had symptoms like mine (faintness, dizziness, visual pressure) with elevated HCT or low ferritin?
- Would you donate blood with ferritin at 23?
- Should I be concerned about Estradiol at 65, or just leave it alone?
- Is there any chance this is more ferritin-related than HCT-related?
- Could long-term omeprazole be contributing to the problem?
- What labs or fixes would you suggest next?
I really value this community’s knowledge. I’m looking for clarity and a solid path forward from people who’ve walked this road. Appreciate any and all input.